Senator Cullinane referred to the tens of thousands of people who marched down O'Connell Street to protest over one thing or another on Saturday afternoon last, but 750,000 people tuned in to RTE to watch the Irish rugby team win the Six Nations Championship. Millions of people throughout the world tuned in to watch a series of games that took place on Saturday afternoon.

The march should have been a lot bigger.

I congratulate the team, the staff and in particular my dear friend, Joe Schmidt, for the tenacity and sportsmanship they displayed in winning the Six Nations Championship. The day was filled with drama and excitement. It was nail-biting stuff all the way to the end and there was a real cliffhanger ending. Then, on Sunday, the ladies followed the men. It was a wonderful display by the ladies. The athleticism they displayed and the passion to win was exemplary. The positive image of the weekend sporting endeavour of Ireland that has been brought throughout the world is the type of publicity for Ireland that cannot be bought.

It is another example of the Government's investment in sports through the Irish Sports Council. The Government has invested in recent years in the women in sports programme. The results are evident now, particularly with the great win of the ladies. This is going to encourage more and more young ladies to participate in sports. It is going to be a wonderful inspiration for all these young women coming through, whether they are on our boxing, soccer, GAA or athletics teams. Women in sport in Ireland is alive and well. It brings out the best in people and a very positive attitude in life.

Senator van Turnhout's commented on RTE and encouraged the broadcaster to show more women in sports. Believe it or not, RTE was the only national broadcaster in Europe to show the rugby this past weekend.

That is true.